Do you enjoy the flavor of pomegranates? Do you wish that there was a way that you could enjoy that distinct flavor year round? Well, the answer to your wish may just be pomegranate powder. I have found that pomegranate powder is an inexpensive alternative to the off season, pomegranate blues. Prices for pomegranate powder vary but tend to cost roughly $21 for 8 ounces. It can be purchased online or at select specialty stores and used in a variety of ways. Here’s a quick look at five of the best ones:
Pomegranate Spice Rub
In my experience, pomegranate powder works well when combined with other sweet tasting spices into a rub. It can be used to flavor wild game, domestic beef, chicken and seafood. I like to combine it with freshly ground nutmeg, ginger, star anise, mace and annatto. I’ll also add ground coriander, fennel, cloves, cinnamon and bay leaves into the mix as well. The spice blend may be made up ahead of time. Just make sure that you store it into an airtight jar that has been placed in an area that is away from bright lights and high heat.
Pomegranate Simple Syrup
Pomegranate powder makes a wonderful and versatile concoction when added to simple syrup. You may opt to make your own simple syrup, which is nothing more than a 2-to-1 blend of sugar and water, or buy it pre-made. A bottle of ready-made simple syrup will typically cost you $7 and may be purchased through specialty shops. You can use the pomegranate syrup in baking. It can also be added to beverages, poured over waffles and used as an ice cream topping.
Pomegranate Barbecue Sauce
If you ask me, pomegranate powder and Karo syrup makes a great barbecue sauce or glaze when mixed with cayenne pepper, garlic powder, chipotles, onion powder, tomato paste and apple cider vinegar. I like to use pomegranate barbecue sauce onto chicken wings and ribs. It also works well with lamb kebabs.
Pomegranate Dips and Spreads
Pomegranate powder’s sweet and tangy profile also makes it well suited as an addition to various dips. Based on my experience, it works extremely well when added to a hummus that has been enhanced with roasted walnuts and roasted red peppers. Pomegranate powder can also be used to change the flavor profile of tahini.
Pomegranate Trail Mix
Pomegranate powder really kicks up the flavor of homemade or commercial trail mixes. I like using it with trail mix that has dried cranberries or cherries in it along with roasted walnuts and dark chocolate chips. It also pairs well with a trail mix that contains dried blueberries, honey nut Cheerios and vanilla yogurt covered raisins.
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys summer sports and recreation. She also has a degree is hotel and restaurant management.
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